• The Democracy Fund's annual Student Journalism Conference is a three-day, all-expenses-paid training program for aspiring Canadian journalists aged 18–30.

    Participants receive hands-on instruction in modern independent journalism, learn from experienced reporters, and take part in interactive sessions focused on digital media and civil liberties.

    The program also offers valuable networking opportunities with Canadian news organizations.

  • August 28 to August 30, 2026

  • The 2026 Student Journalism Conference will be held at the Novotel North York, located at 3 Park Home Ave, Toronto, ON M2N 6L3. All travel costs (economy class), accommodations, and meals are covered for successful applicants.

  • Over three days, participants take part in hands-on training sessions led by experienced journalists, covering the fundamentals of modern reporting, digital media, and civil liberties in Canada.

    The program includes lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises designed to build real-world journalism skills.

  • At the start of the conference, participants are placed into small teams and given a reporting assignment to work on throughout the weekend. Each group researches, develops, and presents their project to a panel of experienced journalists.

    At the end of the program, teams present their work and receive practical feedback, with prizes awarded to the top-performing group.

  • Yes. To keep the program accessible and fully funded, participants will typically share hotel accommodations with another attendee.

    Participants will share a room with someone of the same sex.

  • This program is for aspiring journalists who care about truth, integrity, civil liberties, and the future of independent media in Canada.

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Must be Canadian or permanent residents
    • Applicants must be interested in pursuing journalism in any medium
    • Applicants must be proficient in English
    • Applicants must be 18 to 30 years of age

    Selection Criteria

    Applicants will be assessed based on:

    • Ambition and work ethic
    • Journalistic integrity
    • Whether they would benefit personally and professionally from the conference
    • Whether they are likely to pursue journalism as a career
    • A commitment to civil liberties

  • There are two application deadlines. The Priority Consideration Deadline is May 31, 2026 — applicants who submit by this date will receive earlier review and have a stronger chance of being selected. The Final Application Deadline is June 14, 2026. We encourage you to apply early!

  • For those interested in sponsoring our conference as a partner and participating in our job fair, please email [email protected]. 

    Sponsors get benefits like having their logo on materials, speaking slots if applicable, and more. 

  • This program is currently focused on supporting early-career journalists aged 18–30. The training, group format, and shared accommodations are designed with that cohort in mind.

    We’re grateful for the strong interest from applicants of all ages, and we’re exploring ways to offer similar opportunities to a wider range of participants in the future.

    In the meantime, those outside this age range may be interested in programs and events offered by our co-sponsor, the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, which hosts opportunities for working journalists and media professionals. 

    You can always contact us directly too if you have any extenuating circumstances!

  • Yes! Past attendees are welcome to apply again. However, priority consideration will be given to first-time applicants, as we aim to give as many aspiring journalists as possible the opportunity to attend.